Learning to code has grown over the years from just a hobby to a career. Today, you can learn coding online, entirely for free. Gone are the days where knowing a programming language was reserved for the select few, or cost quite a hefty amount of money.
Even if you
have no desire to go into the development field, learning a programming
language can be very beneficial:
- It’ll
help you better manage websites
- It’ll
reduce reliance on an outside developer for your own projects
- It’ll
give you the freedom to build apps, websites, and other projects with ease
Whether you
want to start your own career as a programmer, learn how to build websites, or
create projects for fun, this post is for you. Now, let’s dive into the best
places online where you can learn to code for free.
Here are 25
sites to learn to code for free:
1. BitDegree
BitDegree
offers a ton of free courses that range from programming to game development.
They offer
standard online courses and gamified courses. Gamified courses help to bring
achievements and interaction into the learning process. All you have to do is
choose your language and start learning.
There are a
variety of programming languages covered, but the most popular ones are
highlighted below:
- HTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript, SQL, JQuery
BitDegree
also does something unique by incorporating blockchain into the education
process. There are transparent rewards and an achievement system that helps
businesses recruit tech talent, and measure course success.
2. Coursera
Coursera
provides coding-based courses, tutorials, and resources taught by professors at
leading universities. You’ll find hundreds of different coding-related courses
to choose from.
To develop
these courses, they partnered with some of the best teachers at top-tier
universities. This means you learn how to code from some of the best resources
out there. Every course on the site is completely free, but, if you want to
receive a certification you’ll have to pay for it.
You’ll find
a variety of courses available like:
- Python, Java, HTML and CSS, IoT programming, C language
- Introduction
to programming
3. Code Academy
Code Academy
is one of the most popular sites where people learn to code for free. More than
24 million people have learned to code using this platform.
They offer
courses ranging from introductory programming to more advanced languages. The
interactive learning approach lets you immediately apply what you’ve learned.
There are over 300 million hours of free coding content available to take you
from complete beginner to working programmer.
Some of the
languages you’ll be able to learn at Code Academy include:
- HTML, JavaScript, CSS, jQuery, PHP, Python, Ruby
There are
several other courses available as well, but the languages above are the core
focus.
4. edX
edX is a
massive open-source higher education learning platform. It currently has a
network of over 5 million students.
The site is
broken down into many different categories that extend far beyond programming.
Since you’re here to learn to code, you’ll find the most value in the ‘Computer
Science’ category.
Here you’ll
find tutorials that teach you languages and skills like:
- HTML and CSS, Java, jQuery, C++, C#, Python, SQL
- Mobile
app development
There are
also paid courses available, but there are enough free educational materials to
teach you the basics of coding.
5. Khan Academy
Khan Academy
is a massive online learning platform. It’s a great place to start developing a
wealth of coding-related knowledge and skills. You’ll find courses and
tutorials that range from computer programming basics, all the way up to
advanced applications.
All courses
are taught by experts. However, students are encouraged to share what they’ve
learned throughout the process. With Khan Academy, you’ll be able to learn and
pick up programming languages like:
- HTML, CSS, Javascript, Databases
There are
also foundational courses that teach you the philosophy and skills behind
computer programming as a whole.
6. Codewars
Codewars
teaches you your desired programming language via a series of challenges. These
code challenges draw from martial arts as each challenge is referred to as a
kata.
The goal of
each challenge is to help you sharpen your existing skills with a certain
programming language or to learn a new one from scratch.
As you
progress through each kata, the challenges get tougher and tougher. Once a
challenge is complete, you’re able to see how your solution stacks up to others.
This will show you different techniques for solving certain development
problems.
Some of the
languages you can learn with Codewars include:
- Java, Javascript, C#, Ruby, Python
- SQL
7. Code.org
Code.org is
built with the goal of making programming a part of the regular education
curriculum. Over a million people have used this site to further their
programming knowledge and skills.
The
education approach you take is up to you. You can dive into the one-hour
tutorials, or take a more structured approach.
There’s also
a large catalog of courses that are broken down by ages ranging from K-5, 6-12,
and even University level.
8. Udemy
Udemy is an
online education portal that offers thousands of courses. There are a lot of
paid courses on the platform, but you’ll also find plenty of free ones as well.
Plus, there are always coupons and specials where you can find discounts and
even free versions of paid courses.
You’ll find
plenty of development courses, where you can learn things like:
- Web
development
- Game
development
- Mobile
application development
- eCommerce
site creation
- All the
programming languages you could ever want
Dash is a
free online course that’ll teach you the basics of web development, all within
your web browser.
You’ll learn
the basics of HTML5, CSS3, and Javascript, and how these languages work
together to create beautiful, modern websites. In addition, it asks you to
build a series of small projects that integrate together at the end to show you
how to create a website of your own.
With Dash,
you’ll come away with an understanding of the bigger picture of website
development. It’s a great place for beginners with no previous development
experience.
10. Free Code Camp
Free Code
Camp is all about creating real-life relationships and building a community
around programming education. It provides the chance to learn coding by
participating in various challenges. You’ll get access to programming tutorials
and courses to help you complete each challenge.
Once you
have some skills you’ll be able to apply this to the real-world by building
tradable projects and coding for non-profits. Some of the languages and skills
covered include:
- HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, Node.js, React.js, D3.js
- Databases
- Git and
Github
Best of all,
you won’t be coding alone. There’s a community forum with others who are
learning alongside you. And you have the option to meet other coders who live
in your city to chat or exchange knowledge.
11. Code Conquest
Code
Conquest is a great platform that’ll help you learn the basics of coding. Even
if you’ve never written a line of code in your life, this platform will help
you get started from square one.
It’s
designed to walk you through the process of:
- Learning
what coding is
- Choosing
which languages to learn
- Knowing
how to improve your knowledge and skills
- Applying
these skills to real-life problems
On the site,
you’ll find a variety of tutorials that’ll help you learn programming languages
like:
- HTML and CSS, Javascript, PHP, Ruby, jQuery
- Python, MySQL
In addition
to everything above, you’ll also receive specific recommendations to extend
your education with different tools and platforms.
The OpenCourseWare
Initiative brings all of MIT’s undergraduate and graduate courses online. Even
without getting into MIT you can get an MIT-level education, provided you have
the motivation to complete the work.
Computer
science is just one of the many available subjects. You can go through the
degree program, or take individual courses.
For example,
you’ll find a variety of introductory computer
programming courses like Python, C and C++, and Java.
13. The Odin Project
The Odin
Project takes all the guesswork out of learning web development. When you’re
trying to learn to program on your own it can be difficult to put all the
skills you’re learning together.
You know the
pieces to the puzzle, but you can’t quite figure out where they go. This
platform has created a logical process from the best educational sources
available on the web. Furthermore, you will learn to build projects along the
way and have an active community to help you through the process.
You’ll learn
programming languages and techniques like:
- HTML and CSS, Git, Javascript, Ruby and Ruby on Rails
- Databases
- How to
get hired with your newfound skills
14. W3Schools
W3Schools
come equipped with coding tutorials, resources, examples, and exercises to help
you learn to code. Their slogan is ‘The World’s Largest Web Developer Site,’
and it doesn’t disappoint.
Start by
choosing the programming language of your choice. Then either jump right into
the program or select from different learning options. You can begin with a
short quiz to see how much you already know and where a good place to start
would be. Or jump right in and test yourself with short examples and reviewing
exercises.
W3Schools
offers a wide range of languages such as:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL and PHP
- Python
and Java
- C++
and C#
- And
more
15. Hackr.io
Right away
you can see that Hackr.io has numerous programming languages you can learn.
After selecting the course you want to take, it will first direct you to a list
of tutorials where you will be able to filter the course to your liking.
You can select free or paid, as well as, beginner or advanced, and in which
language you would like to be taught.
Some of
their best programming courses and tutorials include:
- Python, JavaScript and Java, Android Development
- C and C++, PHP
- Data
Structures and Algorithms
- And
many more
In addition,
Hackr.io has a Blog giving tips on different coding languages as well as
answering questions their users ask. Plus, the Roadmaps section takes you on a
recommended learning path for you to learn the right skills in a structured
manner. Roadmap helps people who have no idea where to start to achieve their
goal.
16. Bento.io
Bento.io
prides itself on helping other developers out. They believe that you shouldn’t
have to pay to learn to code and want to provide you with all the coding
knowledge that you need to succeed.
Its modern
dashboard starts you off with a feed containing all the topics and tasks you
are interested in. Making it easy for you to pick up where you left off, or
move on to a different topic. It also shows you what your current learning plan
is and what you have coming up next.
The
tutorials are organized into tracks and allow you to see an overview, how much
time it will take, and if you’ve already started or completed it. It even
recommends what you should try learning next.
Topics that
Bento.io currently offer online are:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Git, Python, SQL
- Shell,Flask
- Heroku
Not only
does Bento.io provide its own material, but it has a page of links to other
sites if you are looking for more information. You can simply search the topic
you need and find more websites with a different take on the information.
17. Code Avengers
Code
Avengers takes an interactive and fun approach to learn to code and program.
There are a variety of courses that’ll teach you how to code websites, apps,
and even games.
Each course
on the site will take 12 hours to complete and is available in
a multitude of different languages. Plus, there’s a community filled with
programming experts to support you.
With Code
Avengers you’ll learn languages and skills like:
- HTML, CSS, Python
- Javascript, jQuery
- Web
Development
There is
a 7-day free trial that’ll help you determine if it’s worth
investing in the entire program.
18. Solo Learn
Solo Learn
is a free website that offers a handful of different programming languages. One
of the best parts is that is mobile-friendly. The app is used just as much as
the website.
In the Solo
Learn Playground, there is an area to share the code you are working on and
have other people collaborate. They can offer suggestions or get inspiration
from your code or idea.
Some of the
courses Solo Learn offer are:
- Ruby, jQuery, Swift 4 Fundamentals
- HMTL, CSS, PHP, SQL
- C / C#
/ C++
- JavaScript, Python
In addition,
you can check out Solo Learn’s blog and read recent news on apps, technology,
and tips for learning to code.
Created by
the Google Developers Training team, what better way to learn how to code and
gain a Google Developers Certification, than from the experts themself.
With web
fundamentals, you can check out coding tutorials, guides, and the best
practices for building your web knowledge. It also offers tools like Chrome
DevTools, Lighthouse, Workbox, and more, to make learning easier.
Since the
site is oriented towards intermediate and advanced developers, you’ll want to
have a grasp of the basics before you get started.
Programs include:
- Android
development
- Web
development
- Firebase
- Machine
learning
- Tensor
Flow
You can also
get involved in other projects and provide feedback to other students. The
community approach is all about helping each other succeed.
20. Upskill
Upskill is a
free online boot camp that’ll take you from beginner to advanced developer. The
main focus of the course is teaching you web development, and it’s a great
place to start, even if you have no experience.
You’ll learn
coding skills such as:
- WordPress
plugin development
- WordPress
best practices
- Javascript
- HTML5
and CSS3
- PHP
- MySql
- Node.js
- Ruby on
Rails
The
curriculum is 100% project-based, which means that you’ll be
building a real-world portfolio as you progress through the course.
21. Plural Sight
Plural
Sight, formally known as Code School, is an online learning platform that
offers both free and paid courses. The platform is organized into different
learning paths and defined by languages and skills. Their approach to education
is laid out as follows:
- You
choose your education path that’s created by professional instructors and
work through the material.
- You
practice what you’ve learned directly in your browser window and get
immediate feedback.
- You
rack up points as you complete each course level.
- You
monitor your progress and keep track of all your achievements, badges
earned, and material consumed.
Some of the
learning tracks offered include:
- CSS and HTML, Javascript
- Ruby, Elixir, PHP, Python
- iOS
- Databases
22. Codeasy.net
Codeasy.net
offers a very unique and fun way to learn how to code. You’ll be immersed in an
adventure story that requires real-life programming skills to navigate your way
through.
Throughout
the story, you’ll be taught the basics of C#, all the way up to more advanced
topics and functions. It’s designed with complete beginners in mind, so you
don’t need any knowledge of software development to get started.
The best
part about this educational experience is that it doesn’t feel like you’re
learning. Your goal is to save the world from a machine invasion, and you’ll
use your newly acquired coding skills to do it.
23. Hack.pledge ()
Hack.pledge () is a community made up of seasoned developers, who can share their knowledge and mentor the next generation of programmers. Here, you can perfect your development skills by learning from some of the top developers in the field.
To get
started you’ll sign the pledge, committing yourself to master craftsmanship in
software development. Inside you’ll have access to a wealth of information
that’ll help you step up your coding abilities.
Aside from
learning, you’ll have the ability to connect with mentors who are currently at
the top of their field.
24. aGupieWare
aGupieWare
is a free online curriculum based on courses offered by MIT, Carnegie Mellon,
Berkeley, Stanford, and Columbia. In this program, you’ll find 15 different
courses which are further broken down into 3 introductory
classes, 7 core classes, and 5 electives.
This course
is a great place to build a solid programming foundation. You’ll learn skills
like:
- Computer
science
- Swift
programming
- Python
- Security
testing
- Linux
- Hacking
25. Edabit
Edabit takes
a slightly different approach to learn to code. Instead of coding tutorials or
courses where you watch a video and then try to repeat it yourself, Edabit
offers bite-sized challenges so that you can practice your abilities.
With popular
programming languages like:
- C# and
C++
- Java
and JavaScript
- PHP
- Python
- Ruby
- Swift
Simply
register for the free site and access the online challenges immediately. You
can choose your level from very easy to expert. The Shuffle page generates a
random unsolved challenge for you, right away. Spending an hour of coding on
this website will quickly turn into 5 hours.
Conclusion
Learning to
code used to mean hours and hours of expensive education. But, with all of the
free coding resources available today you can learn to program in record time,
with zero money up-front.
Of course,
there is a multitude of paid programs and courses available as well. But the
free resources are more than enough to get you started and develop the
foundational knowledge to succeed as a programmer.
You don’t
have to go through every single course or program on the list above, but
instead, pick the ones that seem the most exciting and dive in.
Have any
questions, tips, or tricks about code learning? Share them with us in the
comments below.
~Hostinger